Weather Delays Kickoff of GOP Convention

Updated 7:07 | Because of an approaching storm, the GOP presidential convention will convene on Monday but will immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said this evening in a statement.

The decision by the RNC effectively upends the first two days of the event that will officially nominate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the Republican candidate for president.

“Our first priority is ensuring the safety of delegates, alternates, guests, members of the media attending the Republican National Convention, and citizens of the Tampa Bay area,” Priebus said. “RNC Convention officials and the Romney campaign are working closely with state, local and federal officials, as well as the Secret Service, to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and preserve Florida’s emergency management resources.”

At 5 p.m. today, Tropical Storm Isaac was about 270 miles south-southeast of Nassau, Bahamas. The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for portions of the west coast of Florida. While Tampa is not expected to sustain a direct hit, thunderstorms are expected there on Monday and Tuesday, and the path of the storm could change.

Priebus said the RNC would begin issuing a revised convention program as early as Sunday.